Virginia’s mild climate and abundance of recreational activities makes it a great place to settle down. While the cost of living in the state is higher than the national average, the combined state and local sales tax is relatively low.

What Options are Available for Assisted Living?

In the state of Virginia, an assisted living facility is a home-like setting that provides or coordinates personal and health care services, 24-hour supervision, and assistance for 4 or more adults who are aged, infirm, or disabled.

A written plan for fire and emergency evacuation must be approved by the appropriate fire official and posted in all facilities along with emergency phone numbers. Fire and emergency evacuation drills should be performed in accordance with Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention codes. Problems should be identified, evaluated, recorded, and corrected.

Assisted living facilities must comply with smoke detector and automatic fire sprinkler requirements, according to building and International Fire codes.

What are the Alzheimer’s Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities in Virginia?

An assisted living facility may provide care for Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments, with specific requirements for each individual facility. Doors leading outside are required to be monitored or secured, and there must be protective devices on bedroom and bathroom windows, as well as on common room windows that are accessible to residents with dementia.

At least 2 direct care staff members in the special care unit at all times.

Senior Assisted Living Details and Costs for Cities in Virginia

The listings below are some of the larger cities in Virginia. Each listing page provides details on assisted living facilities, independent living, senior apartments and homes, as well as Alzheimer's care facilities. Provided details may include costs, amenities and services offered, medical care, among other information.

What Training is Required for Assisted Living Facilities Staff?

Staff must complete department-specific training and direct care staff must be registered as a certified nurse aide or complete one of the other specified educational curricula.

Direct care staff working with residents with Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments must complete 6 additional hours of training related to Alzheimer’s and dementia within the first year of employment.

Is an Assessment Required Before Move-In?

The Uniform Assessment Instrument (UAI) must be completed prior to admission and at least every 12 months. The resident must also complete a physical examination and psychological, behavioral, and emotional functioning screening.

What Care is Available in an Assisted Living Facility?

Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Personal care services.

Social and recreational activities.

Protective supervision.

3rd party health care professionals must either be directly employed or contracted to provide periodic heath care oversight.

How is Medication Managed?

Medication may be administered by a licensed professional or by individuals who have successfully completed a Board approved training program, as well as passed the competency exam and registered with the Virginia Board of Nursing. Each facility must have a written plan for medication management, and it must be reviewed at least every 6 months, along with individual resident plans (excluding residents who have chosen to self-administer their own medication).

What are the Bathroom Requirements for an Assisted Living Facility?

On floors where there are resident bedrooms, there must be at least 1 toilet and sink for every 4 residents and 1 bathtub or shower for every 7. If more than 4 people live on a floor there should be separate bathrooms for men and women.

What are the Move-In or Move-Out Requirements?

Assisted living facilities can only admit residents whose needs can be met by the facility, and they may not admit or retain residents who:

Require dependency on a ventilator.

Have stage III or IV dermal ulcers.

Require nasogastric tubes.

Are a threat or danger to oneself or others.

Require continuous licensed nursing care.

Is an Assisted Living Facility Covered by Medicaid in the State of Viriginia?

Yes. The Medicaid Alzheimer’s assisted living waiver became effective in 2006.